UCRH LISMORE Student Placement Information If you have any questions, please contact the Student Coordination Team studentcoord@ucrh.edu.au Telephone: 02 6620 7245 Office Hours 9am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday
Contents UCRH Who we are and what we offer... 4 Welcome Deputy Director of Education... 5 Key Contacts Student Coordination Team, Lismore... 6 About the North Coast... 7 Entertainment... 8 Student Accommodation... 9 Short term placements... 9 Long-term medical placements... 9 Student Orientation... 10 Transport... 10 Do I need to bring a car?... 10 What if I am doing a community placement and I don t have a car?... 10 What about public transport in and around Lismore?... 10 How can I get to Lismore?... 11 Air services... 11 Bus Services... 11 Train services... 11 Where will I go on placement?... 11 Facilities that are part of Northern NSW Local Health District:... 11 Lismore... 12 Lismore Community Health... 13 Ballina... 13 Ballina District Hospital... 13 Ballina Community Health... 14 Casino... 14 Casino and District Memorial Hospital... 14 Casino Community Health... 15 Byron Bay... 15 Byron Bay District Hospital... 16 Byron Bay Community Health... 16 There s More... 16 Student lecture and tutorial program (medical students)... 17 Multidisciplinary clinical case discussion... 17 Long and short case medical student presentations... 17 2015 Student Information Page 2 of 24
Clinical Skills Program... 18 Wellness Day for long stay medical students... 18 Allied Health Tutorials... 18 Social Equity Program... 19 Inter-professional Learning Programs... 19 Strengthened Cultural Awareness Activities... 20 Social engagement... 21 A Positive Experience for students and their supervising clinicians... 23 Frequently Asked Questions... 24 What do I need to bring? (Short stay students only)... 24 Byron Bay Kayaking... 23 Indigenous Health Deadly Days Schools Day... 24 Clinical Skills Suture Workshops... 24 2015 Student Information Page 3 of 24
UCRH Who we are and what we offer The University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH) was established in 2011, bringing together a University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) and a long stay medical program. It is as a collaboration of the University of Sydney, Southern Cross University, University of Western Sydney, University of Wollongong and the Local Health District. The UCRH main office is located in Lismore, Northern New South Wales, with smaller offices in Murwillumbah and Grafton. The UCRH is a multidisciplinary centre of excellence in health education and research. Our programs focus on the health needs of our local Northern Rivers communities. Our education, research and service development programs are innovative. We work with universities, health services, and professional and community organisations. The aims of the UCRH programs are to: Increase the numbers of quality rural placements for undergraduate and postgraduate medical, nursing and allied health students Provide quality rural placement experiences for all students Deliver training and support for local clinical supervisors and preceptors Provide support and continuing education opportunities for existing rural health professionals. The UCRH is part of the Australian Rural Health Education Network (AHREN). AHREN is the peak body for the 11 University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) which are located in every State and the NT. UDRHs are focused on expanding and enhancing the rural and remote health workforce through multidisciplinary education and training, research, professional support and service development. A key role of the UDRHs is to provide and coordinate rural and remote placements for health students across Australia. As a group, UDRHs have a commitment to ensuring that the health workforce needs of rural and remote areas are addressed by national strategies. 2015 Student Information Page 4 of 24
Welcome Deputy Director of Education Dear Students, Welcome to the University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH)! During your placements with us, we hope you grow in knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Our support and administration team, and experienced faculty members will do our best to help you. Our hospital and health system is integrated into the community, and is one of the finest health services in the country. Its range and quality of services will provide you with extraordinary learning opportunities. The UCRH was established in 2001 in recognition of these opportunities. It is now a major hub of education and research in rural Australia. We host students from 14 universities across a range of health professions. We will support you in all aspects of your personal and professional development. We will help you to learn the technical elements of your professions. We also encourage you to be aware of the broader role that you will play in the community; as professionals, leaders, and advocates for equity, particularly in rural environments. You have come to a place of great beauty and cultural diversity. The UCRH values its connection with, and pays its respects to the Bundjalung nation, traditional custodians of the land on which it stands. I urge you to hear the stories of the Bundjalung people, listen to their wisdom and know of their challenges. Your time in northern NSW will help you appreciate the matters that impact upon the health of Australian Indigenous peoples. Go confidently as you walk. Enjoy your rural experience. Take advantage of the personal and professional developmental opportunities on offer. Seek the wisdom of your mentors. Enjoy your experience with us, and allow it to shape your vocational pathway, as it has done mine over many years. Michael Douglas MB BS FAFPHM, FACRRM, MPH, IDHA, DipRACOG Director of Education University Centre for Rural Health 2015 Student Information Page 5 of 24
Key Contacts Student Coordination Team, Lismore The UCRH Student Co-ordination Team at Lismore is located in the Nyumbalihgu Simulation Centre, located directly opposite Lismore Base Hospital. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Frances Barraclough Program Manager, Clinical Education Tracey Piccoli Executive Assistant to the Director of Education and the Program Manager, Clinical Education Christine Everett Kate Van Dommele Libby Kelly Medical Student coordinator Medical Student Coordinator Medical Student Coordinator 2015 Student Information Page 6 of 24
Flora Zigterman Medical Student coordinator UoW Thi-Anh Smith Medical Program Coordinator Erica Campbell Allied Health Student Coordinator Sue Phelan Mental Health Program Coordinator Kim Assim Administration Assistant to the Student Coordination Team You can contact us on: studentcoord@ucrh.edu.au or 02 6620 7245. 2015 Student Information Page 7 of 24
About the North Coast The Northern Rivers is also known as the Rainbow Region because of its exceptional natural beauty and cultural diversity. The Widjabul people of the Bundjalung nation are the traditional owners of the area including Lismore and surrounding villages. Many other people from all walks of life have made the Rainbow Region their home. Entertainment In the wider region, the Northern Rivers caters for every need including surfing and kayaking on the many beautiful beaches, hiking in the hills and partying in one of Byron Bay s many night clubs. The region is fortunate to host top musicians from all over the world particularly at the Byron Blues festival held at Easter each year. Many students have joined local sports clubs and have had good experiences playing with local teams; others have played with the Lismore symphony orchestra, or sung in one of our many local choirs. Many of our students have made the most of being in this region learning to surf, dive and kayak, climbing local mountains, fishing, running in the Gold Coast Marathon and swimming in the Byron Bay Easter Classic swim. When asked what he did on weekends one student said that he played tennis, basketball and indoor soccer weekly in teams, swam, surfed and kayaked in the ocean, fished, went white water rafting and watched local bands. There are a number of restaurants, nightclubs and pubs to visit in the Northern Rivers. Visit http://www.visitlismore.com.au for more information. Trivia nights are held in local pubs. There are also local indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gyms, shopping centres, and cinemas in Lismore, Byron Bay and Ballina. The Lismore Regional Gallery hosts renowned exhibitions, as does the Tweed Regional Gallery in Murwillumbah, and many smaller galleries spread throughout the Rainbow Region. Sunday markets are held throughout the region. These are great places to socialise, get locally produced fresh food, and amazing arts and crafts. There are many beautiful places to discover such as Bangalow, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lennox Head, Lismore and many, many more. If you re a keen bushwalker there are also amazing places with beautiful scenery to explore, such as Minynon Falls, Rocky Creek Dam, Rummery Park and Mt Warning. 2015 Student Information Page 8 of 24
Student Accommodation The UCRH owns accommodation within walking distance of the Lismore Base Hospital and also onsite at Ballina Hospital. At times, we utilise other accommodation, for example Wilsons College in Lismore. Wilsons College is a purpose built private college providing accommodation for students. Wilsons College is conveniently located within walking distance to the UCRH and Lismore Base Hospital and accommodates 135 Australian and International university students. It provides modern furnished individual study bedrooms in comfortable self-catering units in either 4 bedroom townhouses or 6 bedroom deluxe units. Students will always have the option of finding their own accommodation if any of these facilities are not suitable. Returning students will need to be aware that the UCRH offers varying types of accommodation, and it is highly unlikely they will be placed in the same accommodation they occupied previously. Please note - due to limited availability of accommodation we cannot guarantee that we are able to provide accommodation for ALL students. An accommodation service fee of $25 per week applies for all student accommodation organised through the UCRH. This includes UCRH owned houses, Ballina Accommodation, Wilsons College and accommodation at some of our small rural hospitals. Students are expected to pay the $25per week utility fee upfront prior to arriving on placement unless you are a long stay student, where a payment plan will be sent to you by your Student Coordinator. In most cases students will pay this service fee online. In other cases payment details will be provided by your student coordinator. Students whose university pays the UCRH for accommodation will not be charged this service fee. Students who are subsidised by their university for accommodation will be charged a weekly accommodation fee according to the subsidy provided. This may apply to elective students. Short term placements All accommodation includes shared kitchen, dining, living room, bathroom and laundry facilities, and is supplied with cooking utensils and bed linen. You will need to bring your own bath and beach towel. You will have your own bedroom with a desk and access to the internet. A cleaner will come in to service the common areas regularly. Your room will only be cleaned professionally when you leave. Long-term medical placements Arrangements for long term medical students are different and university specific. These details will be discussed with students before they arrive on placement. 2015 Student Information Page 9 of 24
Student Orientation Where possible all short term students complete a short orientation on the morning you commence your placement. At this session we will: Give you your Local Health District security ID cards and computer logons Give you a tour of the hospital, and show you how to access the Lismore Base Hospital library Help with any accommodation and internet access issues and advise you of lock out procedures Let you know of any upcoming education and social events This session is also a great way for you to connect with other students on placement! Transport Do I need to bring a car? We strongly encourage students to come to placement with a vehicle. You will need to be able to travel between placement and accommodation sites if necessary, and public transportation is very sporadic in this region. You will be expected to travel to and from your placements which may not be at the site where you are living. Not all of your placements will be at Lismore Base Hospital. If travelling by car always plan your journey to avoid driving at night due to the very active night wildlife. The following websites give further advice regarding travelling on country roads http://www.nrma.com.au/keeping-safe-secure/road-safety/tips.shtml The Going Places website (public transport information and timetables) is here: http://www.goingplaces.org.au/ Link to road closure information when it floods: http://www.myroadinfo.com.au/disclaimer.asp What if I am doing a community placement and I don t have a car? Community placements usually occur outside the Lismore area, and up to an hour s drive away. To ensure your smooth transition into these rotations, vehicles are very strongly recommended. Public transport is very limited especially to get to the more rural sites. The UCRH will not be responsible to get you to and from your placement. What about public transport in and around Lismore? Timetables and further information is available for Northern Rivers Bus Lines at www.nrbuslines.com.au. The Lismore Visitors Centre can also provide information on local transport options (ph 02 6626 0100). Lismore Taxis can be contacted on phone: 131 008 or info@lismoretaxis.com.au. 2015 Student Information Page 10 of 24
How can I get to Lismore? For transport options on getting to Lismore, please see the following link for more information http://www.visitlismore.com.au/visitor-information/getting-here/p/323 Air services There are regional airports at Ballina and Lismore which all have regular flights to Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne. The Gold Coast airport has national and international flights. Bus Services As well as local bus services, there are buses connecting to Brisbane and Sydney along the Pacific highway. Should you wish to travel by bus, there are several operators who provide services to Lismore. For more information, contact the Lismore Visitors Centre on 02 6626 0100. Train services Country Link Train services are also available from Sydney to Casino with a bus interchange from Casino to Lismore. Country Link timetables are accessible from www.countrylink.info Where will I go on placement? Whilst on placement in the Northern Rivers, you may be required to attend placement sites in hospitals and also in community health centres, rehabilitation units, aged care facilities, private practices, and schools within the Northern NSW Local Health District. More details on the NNSW LHD facilities can be found at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/lhd/pages/nnswlhd.aspx Facilities that are part of Northern NSW Local Health District: Ballina Bonalbo Byron Casino Coraki Grafton Kyogle Lismore Maclean Mullumbimby Murwillumbah Nimbin Tweed Urbenville 2015 Student Information Page 11 of 24
Lismore With a population of over 45,000 Lismore is nestled on the banks of the Wilsons River between the rainforest and the sea. It is a university city that boasts the culture and convenience of a major regional centre and is the economic and cultural hub of the Northern Rivers region. Lismore is located 45km inland from Byron Bay, 100km from the Gold Coast and 198km from Brisbane. Lismore s climate is mild in winter with cool evenings and pleasant days. The average winter temperature in Lismore is 20 degrees, whilst the average minimum is 7. Summer in Lismore can be very hot and humid with temperatures in the mid to high 30 s. For more information, visit the Lismore Visitors Information Centre Tourism site: www.visitlismore.com.au. Lismore Base Hospital Lismore Base Hospital is a regional referral, level 5 base hospital providing care to over 29,500 patients every year. Specialist services provided include emergency, general medicine and surgery (including sub specialities), cancer care and radiotherapy, paediatrics, critical care, obstetrics, aged care and mental health. The hospital undertakes over 8,100 surgical procedures annually. Allied Health services offered at Lismore Base Hospital include physiotherapy, social work, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and dietetics. Pharmacy and radiography services are also available. Lismore Base Hospital is a teaching hospital and provides comprehensive training experiences for allied health, nursing and medical students. For more information about Lismore Base Hospital: http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/hospitals/lismore-base-hospital/ I got to spend plenty of time with the consultants and the consultants were great with teaching and answering questions, (Medical student). I was very happy with my experiences at Lismore Base Hospital. I learnt a lot, saw many interesting pathologies and worked with wonderful people who were very patient and helpful. The staff I worked with was very friendly and welcoming. We socialised after work - I really enjoyed working with them. I would come back (Radiography student). What I enjoyed best about my placement at Lismore Base Hospital was seeing three operations, actual outpatient experiences, and the in-services provided by the supervisor, (Physiotherapy student). It was a great experience. I have learnt a lot. Everyone I worked with during placement was really nice and genuine in providing me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and a great help in the field I am currently studying in. Lismore is a very friendly town, (Pharmacy student). 2015 Student Information Page 12 of 24
Lismore Community Health Lismore Community Health services both Lismore and its surrounding communities. Services include an amputee clinic, dietician and diabetes education, genetic counselling and community neuropsychology services. The service also offers a physiotherapy outpatients clinic, podiatry and adult speech pathology as well as palliative care. Community nursing, a heart failure nursing service, pulmonary rehabilitation and other NSW chronic diseases management programs are also on offer. The Carroll Centre Day Therapy Unit is located on the grounds of St Vincent s Hospital in East Lismore and offers multidisciplinary services providing holistic care to improve geriatric clients social, physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological wellbeing to maintain their independence and safety. The Community Based Rehabilitation Service offers multidisciplinary intense home-based rehabilitation programs. Lismore Community Health also includes maternal and child health services: Women s Health Matters, an Aboriginal maternal and infant health service, nursing services for breast care, and a child protection counselling service. More information about Lismore Community Health: http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/community-health/lismore-community-health/. Goonellabah Child & Family Health Service provides child and family counselling, audiometry, dietetics, paediatric occupational therapy, paediatric physiotherapy, and paediatric speech pathology, as well as Aboriginal family support and domestic violence support. For more information on the Goonellabah Child & Family Health Centre: http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/community-health/goonellabah-child-andfamily-health-centre/. Ballina I was on a GP term at a large private clinic where I was able to interact with doctors, nurses and staff. I was also brought along by my supervisor to a monthly meeting of doctors in the Richmond Valley area where I was able to meet other health professionals in the area (Medical student). The rural community is quite welcoming and appreciate your work. The placement provided me meeting up with a lot of new people and professionals. The things that I enjoyed most about my placement were working in different areas of health disciplines and to get the full sight of health care in rural area. The placement has given tremendous experience in knowing how others work and what is my role as part of the health care team, (Medical student). Ballina is a coastal township located on the Pacific Highway 30mins drive from Lismore and boasts some of the most beautiful surfing beaches and picturesque headlands on the east coast of Australia. Ballina District Hospital Ballina District Hospital is a local, level 3 rural hospital within the North Coast Area Local Health District. It provides care to over 8,300 patients every year. Medical services provided include emergency, general medicine, aged care and rehabilitation, and surgery. The hospital undertakes over 860 surgical procedures and sees over 17,800 Emergency attendances annually. Medical students also have the opportunity for hands on experience in a comprehensive geriatric placement and paediatric clinic experiences. In-patient allied health services offered at Ballina District Hospital include physiotherapy, social work, and radiography. The Rehabilitation Unit offers integrated medical, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work and speech pathology services. 2015 Student Information Page 13 of 24
Ballina Community Health Ballina Community Health is situated on the grounds of the Ballina Hospital and offers dentistry, audiometry, podiatry, dietetics and nutrition, and diabetes education services, as well as outpatients physiotherapy and occupational therapy for children and adults. There is an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) service available at Ballina, and Richmond Community Options offers short term case management of people with permanent disability, the frail aged and their carers. The Ballina Day Therapy Unit offers community-based occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology rehabilitation services to adults with musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and other chronic conditions. Mental health services include social work, drug and alcohol counselling, child and family counselling and a child protection counselling service. Ballina Community Health also has a needle syringe program, child and family health clinic, community nursing, an immunisation clinic and programs through the NSW Chronic Diseases Management Program. More information can be found at http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/community-health/ballinacommunity-health/ I loved having a wide variety of clinical experiences and excellent supervision. I gained a good view of rural work whilst on placement in Ballina, (Dentistry student). What I most enjoyed about my placement was living in a beautiful township with frequent visits to the beach and other lovely locations, evening dinners with the group, learning together, excellent supervision and clinical facilities, (Dentistry student). Students have the opportunity for hands on experience in the busy Emergency Department and a comprehensive Geriatric placement and Paediatric Clinic experiences, (Medical student). While on placement in Ballina, I enjoyed forming working relationships with patients and becoming more confident with my own analysis and thought processes. I also thoroughly enjoyed the outpatient experience at Ballina! (Physiotherapy student). My placement had 2 other students from my uni doing the same placement (outpatient) plus 2 others doing other areas in the hospital. We met people from a range of disciplines within the hospital. The supervisors I had were all extremely helpful with education, advice and feedback to improve as a physiotherapy student. This placement was a great learning experience with supervisors that encouraged me and challenged me to improve. I think this has helped make the placement enjoyable, (Physiotherapy student). Casino A 30 minute drive from Lismore, Casino is one of Australia's leading country centres. It is known as the Beef Capital of Australia and is the Centre for agriculture for the Northern Rivers. Casino and District Memorial Hospital Casino and District Memorial Hospital is a local community, level 3 rural hospital within the Northern NSW Local Health District providing care to over 2,800 patients every year. Medical services provided include emergency, general medicine, aged care, and surgery. The hospital undertakes over 940 surgical 2015 Student Information Page 14 of 24
procedures and sees over 14,500 emergency attendances annually. It provides a wonderful opportunity for students to experience rural health. Casino Community Health Casino Community Health is run from a variety of settings in Casino, and provides a range of allied health services including diabetes education, dietetics and nutrition services, podiatry, speech pathology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services for both adults and children. Social work services assist and enable individuals, families and groups, to adjust to changes in their health, personal and family situations. Child and family counselling is available, as are drug and alcohol counselling, and a child protection counselling service. Other health services include an Aboriginal diabetes clinic, Aboriginal maternal and infant health service, child and family health clinic, immunisation clinic, school heath nurse, a cardiac nurse, community nursing services, women s health clinic, needle syringe program and the NSW chronic diseases management program. More information can be found here: http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/community-health/casinocommunity-health/ I had a fantastic experience in Casino, and finished my placement with an even more positive outlook on rural practice, especially in the field of Aboriginal Health through spending time with doctors and staff at the Aboriginal Medical Service, both in Casino and on outreach. Everyone was incredibly inviting, literally inviting me into their homes (on farms!), encouraging me to try procedures (on them!), throwing birthday/farewell parties, and telling stories to inspire and teach, both from physical health, social and spiritual perspectives. I saw a beautiful part of the world; a friendly country town surrounded by gorgeous country, and so many interesting tales to tell, (Medical student). This placement was a great learning experience with supervisors that encouraged me and challenged me to improve. I think this has helped make the placement enjoyable, (Physiotherapy student). Byron Bay Cape Byron is Australia's most easterly point and deserves its international reputation as a superb beach resort. With numerous beaches, unspoilt hinterland, and relaxed lifestyle, Byron Bay is a busy town and a must see for many visitors to the region. More information about Byron Bay can be found here http://www.visitnsw.com/area/ballina_byron_and_surrounds.aspx 2015 Student Information Page 15 of 24
Byron Bay District Hospital Byron Bay District Hospital is a local community, level 2 rural hospital within the Northern New South Wales Health District providing care to over 1,400 patients every year. Medical services provided include emergency, general medicine, aged care, and day surgery. The hospital undertakes over 430 surgical procedures and sees over 12,300 Emergency attendances annually. Byron Bay Community Health Byron Bay Community Health Centre is run from Byron District Hospital, delivering services in diabetes education, dietetics and nutrition, audiometry, speech pathology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services for both adults and children. There are also multidisciplinary chronic disease management programs, a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, respiratory liaison nurse, and cancer and palliative community services. Other health services offered from Byron Bay Community Health include women s health, antenatal classes, an expectant fathers group, a child and family health clinic, Families NSW home visiting service, an immunisation clinic, school heath nurse, child and family counselling, a child and family therapy team, and youth and adult drug and alcohol counselling services. Mental health services include counselling and social work, sexual health clinic (including an innovative sexual assault program), needle and syringe program and the MERIT program. More information can be found here: http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/community-health/byronbay-community-health/ It was great meeting and getting the chance to work with other students from different disciplines but experiencing the same prac experience and learning more about other allied health and medical professions, (Social Work student). Overall an excellent environment for rural student placement. The supervisor and staff made the experience very enjoyable. I really appreciate all the clinical experience and opportunities given and the expertise and guidance are greatly appreciated. I am now seriously considering returning to the North Coast to practice upon graduation, (Dentistry student). I loved the placement. It was amazing to live in a small town and to meet so many people. I frequently went over to Doctor's farms/houses for lunch/dinner. People were so friendly. Every Wednesday we went to trivia with other medicos: allied health, registrars, etc. It was great. And I was very close to Byron Bay which was awesome, (Medical student). There s More The other hospitals in the area students may visit include Maclean, Nimbin, Coraki, Mullumbimby, Kyogle and Bonalbo when on clinical placements. As a first year medical student my 3 week experience in the Northern NSW Coast Health was inspiring and served as great introduction to the demands and workings of rural health. I d like to thank the Nimbin Hospital Staff who welcomed me to their community and encouraged me to practice my skills in the Emergency Department and gave me the chance to assist the community nurses in the areas of mental health, drug rehabilitation, palliative care and needle exchange. It s 2015 Student Information Page 16 of 24
hard to imagine that a metropolitan hospital experience could be as personal and as far reaching. My downtime was equally fantastic with several trips to the coast and some fun nights out in Byron Bay. I m envious already of the next batch of student placements, (Medical student). While on placement I felt like I was a member of the team at Kyogle where my opinions and values were considered and accepted. The things that I enjoyed most about my placement were the ability to assess and treat patients based on my own interpretation whilst under supervision. Also the staff were all very kind and welcoming. The health professionals that work at Kyogle Memorial Hospital are a very accepting team that made my placement an enjoyable one, (Allied Health Student). For more information about the other amazing towns you can explore in the Northern Rivers please visit the following website http://www.riversoflife.com.au Enhancing your university s curriculum The UCRH has several programs designed to enhance your home university s curriculum and your learning whilst on clinical placement with us. Some of these activities are listed below; Student Lecture and Tutorial Program (medical students) The Wednesday lecture program is based around the curriculum needs of our medical long stay University partners and aims to deliver a comprehensive, focused and interactive learning experience. We rely on the generosity of experienced local Clinicians to speak to their chosen discipline on a topic relevant to the student placement and curriculum. Multidisciplinary Clinical Case Discussion The Friday Clinical Discussion aims to be a multi-disciplinary case discussion presented by medical students and incorporating allied health students. During each session students present an interesting case in which they have had an opportunity to see the patient, give a medical and social history and discuss patient care and outcomes. Specialists from all disciplines are also invited to contribute and a clinician educator facilitates the session to ensure that the environment is open to discussion and inter-professional learning. Long and Short Case Medical Student Presentations Medical students have the opportunity to participate as both presenter and audience in our formative Long Case Presentation Program which is facilitated by a Medical Educator and assisted by another Clinician. As a part of our UCRH Tutorial program, there are also weekly long case presentation sessions run by General Physician Dr Stephen Moore from Lismore Base Hospital who come to the UCRH to run formative sessions with interested students. 2015 Student Information Page 17 of 24
Educational sessions at the UCRH. Students at a joint injection education session. Students at a workshop on examining joints. Clinical Skills Program The Clinical Skills Program is delivered twice weekly to ensure all cohorts of long stay medical students receive the clinical skills session relevant to their stage and curriculum. The program is strategically set out to cover essential clinical skills and over the course of the year students have scenario experience using simulation mannequins, real life patients and participate in workshops to teach skills and strategies to deal with skills in an emergency and clinical setting. Wellness Day for long stay medical students Each year we conduct a program to promote a healthy approach to working in the medical profession for the long term medical students from all our universities who are based Lismore, Grafton and Murwillumbah. Allied Health Tutorials All allied health students in the Lismore region are able to access weekly tutorials, incorporating the clinical case discussion session as well as a range of tutorial discussions and experiences. The topics and activities vary from week to week and are wide ranging. For example, students might discuss cultural safety, how to navigate health systems, what it s like to work in private practice, how to get a job, experience a simulated disability, or spend the afternoon with a different health professional to build inter-professional experience. We also do service work, for example helping out at a homeless shelter or aged care facility. 2015 Student Information Page 18 of 24
Social Equity Program This program is aimed at all students from all disciplines. It provides students with an awareness of their roles as future leaders in the community. The program is offered after hours and includes Aboriginal issues, refugee stories and stories from our local homeless shelter. Inter-professional Learning Programs The UCRH has been running Inter-professional Learning programs since 2007. Students have the opportunity to work with students from other allied health, nursing, pharmacy and medical disciplines and participate in inter-professional learning opportunities with them. Students have direct experiences working in multidisciplinary teams, taking real patient histories, working out management plans and presenting case histories together. In doing so, they deepen their understanding of the practices of other health care professionals within a multidisciplinary team, and how this can enhance patient care and outcomes. I got to put our discipline (Exercise Physiology) on the map and raise awareness on what we do and how we can contribute specifically, (Exercise Physiology student). One of the best things about my involvement in the IPL Clinical Program was that it allowed me to see just what the other health professionals do and how they approach the case. I could see what patient factors are important for each profession and how they look at management, (Pharmacy student). This unit has increased my awareness of the contributions and benefits of working with other disciplines, (Occupational Therapy student). I gained a greater understanding about the roles of other disciplines which made me more comfortable in my own role and in the team as I now know that there is available support for my patient in areas that I have little expertise, (Medical student). This was my first real experience of drawing up a care plan so it was great to learn from my other team members. We approached the care plan from different angles and I felt that this allowed us to cover all / most aspects of patient care in a holistic manner, (Medical student). What I enjoyed most about the IPL program was working in a team with other health students; making friends and breaking down professional boundaries, (Medical student). 2015 Student Information Page 19 of 24
Strengthened Cultural Awareness Activities Most of our students have the opportunity to attend an Aboriginal Health Cultural Awareness Program conducted by National Parks and Wildlife Rangers and Aboriginal Educators from the Bundjalung Arakwal people. The Aboriginal staff meet with the students at Byron Bay light house and take them on an informative tour from the lighthouse, down to Wategos Beach and then across to The Pass. They point out surrounding sites of cultural significance and share their peoples stories about certain landmarks. Along the walk students are shown, and get to try some bush tucker and medicines, and are instructed on their harvest, preparation and uses. I think the cultural walk was a wonderful way to introduce these concepts. Concepts which only really sing in the outdoor setting and which try as we might cannot ever be accurately passed on in the class room or lecture hall, (Medical student). We also provide a unique opportunity for students to participate in NAIDOC week activities. Cultural Walk at Byron Bay 2015 Student Information Page 20 of 24
Social engagement All students across disciplines and universities are encouraged throughout the year to socialise together. UCRH events such as welcome dinners, soccer matches and cultural walks are well attended. Outside the UCRH the students organise bushwalking trips, weekly trivia, surfing, fishing, diving and participate in local events such as the Byron Bay Ocean Swim. Allied Health students on placement at Woodenbong Central School (above) and dental students working at Deadly Days, and Aboriginal health promotion day (above and below). 2015 Student Information Page 21 of 24
Byron Bay Classic Swim Learn to Surf Lesson at Byron Bay Minyon falls University of Western Sydney and University of Wollongong students prepare for a friendly game of soccer. University of Sydney students enjoying Byron Bay Lighthouse. 2015 Student Information Page 22 of 24
A Positive Experience for students and their supervising clinicians A number of our clinicians received outstanding achievement awards from the University of Sydney. These awards are based on excellent feedback from students. Both the surgical teams at Lismore and Grafton received these awards. Overall, past allied health, nursing and medical students doing their placements through the UCRH rate their placements very well. Here are some extracts from their end of placement evaluations: Everyone was extremely supportive and helpful. My placement was educational and lots of fun, (Dentistry student). Establishing a culture of togetherness between long-stay students from different unis is a good idea, (Medical student). The things that I enjoyed most about my placement were the guidance given by the UCRH, it felt as though they were giving us more support than uni was, (Medical student). I highly enjoyed interactions with other health professionals. I was impressed at the knowledge and input they all contributed to optimising patient outcomes, (Pharmacy student). The supervisors I had were all extremely helpful with education, advice and feedback to improve as a physiotherapy student, (Physiotherapy student). Byron Bay Kayaking It was great meeting and getting the chance to work with other students from different disciplines but experiencing the same prac experience and learning more about other allied health and medical professions, (Social Work student). Overall, I had a great time!!! I felt very well supported, (Medical student). I vastly enjoyed my learning in Lismore and hope to be able to engage in further training and perhaps practice in the Northern Rivers Region in the future, (Medical student). Thanks!!! I would definitely recommend this program to other students, (Occupational therapy student). The staff I worked with at NCR St Vincent s Hospital were all fantastic. I enjoyed living with other students and being able to socialise with them. The proximity of the accommodation to work and the town centre was advantageous, (Radiography student). 2015 Student Information Page 23 of 24
I enjoyed my placement in Lismore. In terms of the accommodation it was clean on arrival and everything was provided as per the information sheet even though the Student Coordinators only had a day or two to organise it all. If we ever had any problems (e.g. the shower) someone sent an email and it was fixed straight away so I was pleased with the efficiency of the UCRH on that matter, (Radiography student). One of the best things about the UCRH s interprofessional learning program was meeting people from different disciplines whom share different specialities but share a common passion I like the comradery. I also now feel closer to the system, the people in it and I feel more part of things. My understanding of roles is better and my understanding that roles in the system aren t always well defined is better, (Exercise Physiology student). This placement was AMAZING! (Dentistry student). Frequently Asked Questions What do I need to bring? (Short Stay students only) (Long Stay students will have more detailed information forwarded via their Student Co-ordinator) Your own bath and beach towel Food is not provided however the student accommodation is equipped with shared cooking facilities. Food can be purchased at local supermarkets some of which have long trading hours. There is also a cafeteria at Lismore Base Hospital Your own uniform or work wear including covered shoes Criminal Record Clearance (please note that you will NOT be allowed into health facilities without original documents being sighted Student ID card from your University And your car! Indigenous Health Deadly Days Schools Day Clinical Skills Suture Workshops 2015 Student Information Page 24 of 24